A TV is never going to drop a leash in your lap or look mournfully out the window at all the other human-dog duos walking by. In a recent story exclusively for TheBark.com, Dr. Dawn Marcus explored the health upside to living with a dog, starting with his or her role as a personal trainer/motivational barker. And once you and your dog are getting a daily dose of exercise, all sorts of health benefits follow, including reduced breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and colon-cancer risk. Check out Marcus’s story for advice on creating a successful canine-centered exercise plan.

Coinkydinkally, a recent story in Science Daily looks at the other end of the leash. What’s in it for your dog? Weight-loss, energy release, mental stimulation and nurturing the human-animal bond, for starters. Romping in the backyard just won’t cut it, says Dr. Susan Nelson, a Kansas State University veterinarian and assistant professor of clinical sciences. Although walking is an excellent mutually beneficial outing, Nelson also suggests specific exercise tailored to your dog, from fetch to swimming. It may not be earth-shattering news, but with fall and winter coming on, it’s good to be reminded of the myriad advantages and possibilities as shorter, wetter and colder days add a difficulty factor to our daily regimens.